Recently, Luc Besson completed the preparation for his new film ‘Anna,’ and will start shooting the film next month. Starring Helen Mirren, ‘Anna’ is produced by EuropaCorp and co-produced by Lionsgate. Meanwhile, China’s Fundamental Films acquired all the rights to the film in China. Fundamental Films also announced that the company had acquired from Le Gaumont Et Compagnie the theatrical and digital rights to Luc Besson’s classics, including ‘Le Grand Bleu,’ ‘Leon,’ and ‘The Fifth Element.’ A 4K restored version of ‘Leon’ may be released in Chinese theaters in the future. Read more on Mtime

‘Love is a Broadway Hit,’ a rom-com produced by Wanda Pictures and directed by Taiwanese filmmaker Li Ju-yuan, will open in Chinese theaters on October 13. Yesterday, a preview screening of the film took place in Beijing with lead actors Godfrey Kao and Likun Wang in attendance. Kao told the press that the film was inspired by Oscar winning filmmaker Ang Lee’s story. According to Kao, Li Ju-yuan worked with Ang Lee before and learned that Ang Lee once attempted to become a Broadway actor while studying at the New York University. Read more on Sina

‘Never Say Die’ Replaces ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ as China’s Fifth Highest Grossing Film in 2017

On October 11 (Beijing Time), a press conference was held for upcoming Chinese-Hong Kong action film ‘Operation Red Sea.’ Director Dante Lam announced that the film would be released at the end of 2017. A trailer of the film was also released at the press conference. Loosely based on the evacuation of the 225 foreign nationals and almost 600 Chinese citizens from Yemen’s port of Aden during the 2015 Yemeni Civil War, ‘Operation Red Sea’ was Hong Kong filmmaker Dante Lam’s second “main melody” film (aka propaganda film) following the success of his action hit from last October, ‘Operation Mekong.’ Read more on News 163

Thai Blockbuster ‘Bad Genius’ to be Released in Over 450 IMAX Theaters in China

Following the box office success of comedy ‘Never Say Die,’ which was released in both 2D and 3D, Thai crime comedy ‘Bad Genius’ will also be converted into 3D and released at more than 450 IMAX theaters across China, according to an announcement made by IMAX on October 11 (Beijing Time). Directed by emerging Thia filmmaker Nattawut Poonpiriya,‘Bad Genius’ tells the story of Lynn, a straight-A student who devises an exams-cheating scheme which eventually rises to international level. Read more on Mtime

China Film Insider reports on and writes about the people and companies making movies that soon may help to bridge the gaps in understanding between China, the United States, and the rest of the world. We work in Beijing, Los Angeles, and New York.